Michael Jordan made a big statement about Kawi Leonard in 2017.
The Los Angeles Clippers concluded the season with a sensational victory over the Golden State Warriors, and officially secured the fifth seed at the Western Conference.
Even as the game was overtime, the Clippers rarely had a hard time dealing with the dub thanks to Kawi Leonard’s incredible two-way performance.
Leonard scored 33 points, six rebounds and seven assists for his name. But that wasn’t the only thing. He also contributed to the defensive side of the floor by grabbing three steels.
Kawhi has arguably one of the most unique careers in NBA history. On the one hand, he is a phenomenal player and twice as many NBA champions.
But on the other hand, Leonard’s career is plagued by injuries and fans know that they may never see Claw’s true potential.
Despite these doubts about Leonard, NBA legend Michael Jordan made an interesting comment in 2017 about the then-San Antonio Spurs star.
“Can Kawhi score with Kawhi? I don’t think so. He’s good. He’s probably the best in the game. He’s the best two-way player in the game right now,” MJ said of Kawhi at one of his camps.
Jordan made this claim about Leonard between them and the Spurs, but Claw proved in 2025 that they were still true after a dominant performance against the Dub.
Even 🐐 knows that Kawi is a beast!!! Michael Jordan is asked in a Q&A with the kids at camp, “Whether Kawi can score with Kawi?” Great question. Here’s his response…. #kawhileonard #MichaelJordan #GoSpursgo #Sanantoniososososososososososososososososososososososososososososososos
Posted by Spurs uncensored on Tuesday, August 1, 2017
If Leonard had remained healthy throughout his career, he could have won a spot in the goat debate.
But even how Leonard’s career fell, Norman Powell of the Clippers once compared him to MJ, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
“When I stepped onto the floor, we had a chance to go to the top, and that was what it was. On the first day of training camp, I was like, “I got a guy this year.”
“Why is he moving, as we have? It’s like looking at Bron, Jordan, or Kobe on the court. Do you know what I mean?
“Like the way he was able to read the game and the tranquility he has when he plays. It seemed like it was a completely different feeling.”
There is no doubt about Kawhi’s basketball insight. He has already won two NBA titles, but can Klaw lead the Clippers to the first title in franchise history? That will become clear in the coming months.